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TRIUMPHS • NOVEMBER 20, 2025 • 8 min read

Lessons from Hurricane Katrina: Our Compassion 1st Experience

Lessons from Hurricane Katrina: Our Compassion 1st Experience

Answering the Call

When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, we knew we had to help. We packed our tools and headed to Biloxi, Mississippi, as part of the Compassion 1st relief effort. What we saw was heartbreaking—entire neighborhoods wiped off the map.

Building More Than Houses

We spent weeks mucking out flooded homes, repairing roofs, and rebuilding walls. But the real work was rebuilding hope. We learned that construction is about more than just lumber and drywall; it's about restoring a sense of safety and normalcy to people's lives.

Lasting Impact

That experience shaped the core values of ACGI. It taught us resilience, empathy, and the power of community action. It reminded us that our skills are a gift that can be used to serve others. That spirit of service is what we bring to every job we do in Portland today.